Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP), mainly constituted by functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), affects a significant number of children, and is a result of a complex interaction between biopsychosocial factors. Despite the seemingly benign nature of RAP, in some children RAP is associated with school absenteeism, functional impairment and frequent doctor visits. Identification of the processes that maintain illness is important. These results may be important to identify children who need treatment.